"I will not!" Julia said firmly.
[CHAPTER XXV.]
A TRYING POSITION.
SHE sat on, resolutely, bravely, though with a heart-sinking which she had never felt before, as she thought of the time which must pass before John could possibly come up.
Now and then a heave or quiver passed through Prince's massive frame; and Julia knew that but for her weight upon his head he would doubtless begin struggling to get up. Sometimes the quiver passed on to those great hoofs, all but resting against her husband, and each time Julia's heart leaped with a wild fear lest the struggle should take place despite all she could do. She knew little of horses from practical experience, and she could not feel Harvey's security that so long as she sat there he was safe.
The other horse lay entirely motionless, with every appearance of death. Poor Emperor! he had borne the brunt of the collision, his broad chest coming full against the cart.
It was lonely country around, with no sign of human habitations. The pony browsing in the hedge browsed still, but farther off, whither he had been startled by the accident. Had any human being stood near, that crash must have acted as a summons. Julia felt this, and though she forced herself to call for help, she did it hopelessly, expecting no result.
When she called, Harvey opened his eyes for a moment. That was all. He seemed unable or disinclined to speak. Julia was frightened at his increasing ghastliness of hue; yet there were no actual signs of pain on his face, and he lay quietly, not appearing to suffer from the weight which held down his lower limbs. She longed to get to him, to do something for his personal relief; but he was out of reach, and she dared not stir—knew she must not. Would John never come?
Twice again she asked her husband how he was, and each time he answered faintly, "I don't know." She longed to know what was wrong and where he was injured, yet she dreaded to annoy him by questions if he wished to be let alone.
So there seemed nothing to be done but to wait, keeping her seat, and refusing to listen to her own fears. She watched for John intensely, yet he did not come. Now and then a horrible doubt assailed her; what if John tried some other road, and failed to find them? But this she knew was not likely. They had come in a direct line, following the main road.